Ogdensburg man charged with killing man in hit-and-run accident while drunk in Morristown

Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - 12:08 pm

MORRISTOWN – An Ogdensburg man was arrested Tuesday for the death of man during a hit and run accident on County Route 6 on Aug. 4 in which he was allegedly drunk at the time, according to state police.

Devin B. Ferguson-Brenno, 26, was arrested for second-degree vehicular manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence for concealing and destroying, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death, all felonies, DWI, and second-degree obstructing a governmental administration, troopers said.

Benjamin M. Schick was hit by an eastbound dark-colored SUV as he walked eastbound on the shoulder with a friend, John A. Robinson, 19, also of Lancaster, shortly before 9 p.m. Aug. 4.

Schick was taken to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg and pronounced dead by Dr. Florentino Nilooban.

Robinson was not struck or injured, and was able to provide a description of the vehicle. The SUV fled the scene continuing eastbound on County Route 6.

Ferguson-Brenno, reported to state police that his 2001 Honda CRV was stolen at about 9 p.m. the day of the accident from the Echos on the Lake convenience store, not far from the accident scene.

The vehicle was found the next day on Mansion Avenue in Ogdensburg. New York State Police members secured it and transported it to Troop B Headquarters in Ray Brook, where, after obtaining a search warrant, it was to be processed by the Troop B Forensic Investigation Unit for evidence.

Troopers said the vehicle had damage consistent with the accident.

The Troop B Collision Reconstruction Unit and Troop B Violent Crimes Investigation Team responded to assist and St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole Duve advised.

Ferguson-Brenno was additionally charged with moving from a lane unsafely and crossing road hazard markings.